Re: The Endometriosis Research Center (ERC) & Takeda Abbott Pharmaceuticals (TAP)
From: Anonymo (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat Jan 18 13:06:22 2003
Thank you so much for this clarification, Heather.
I realize the ERC is not trying to compete with or compare itself to the
EA,
but my conclusion from this is that I will not be renewing my membership
with
the EA until such time as they can assure me they are no longer
accepting
any money from TAP.
In the meantime, I will direct any donations to the ERC.
At Sat, 18 Jan 2003, Endometriosis wrote:
>
>Dear Posters:
>
>I am writing today on behalf of the ERC, concerning the discussion on
>Endometriosis organizations and TAP donations. While somewhat
>unorthodox, given the level of requests we have received from regular
>forum posters recently, we feel that our response here is both
>appropriate and warranted.
>
>For the record, to all those who might be concerned: the Endometriosis
>Research Center has never requested nor received donations of any sort
>from TAP, nor do we intend to solicit or accept any such donations at
>any point in the future. This includes tangible, intangible and
>financial support of all kinds.
>
>Furthermore, our organization has worked with many, many women and teens
>over the years who have taken GnRH therapy, including Lupron. We
>recognize that such therapy may be effective in relieving some symptoms,
>for some patients. We also recognize that such therapy may not be
>effective for other patients, and may indeed have lasting, significant
>and negative impact for some. The experience of those patients is just
>as important to acknowledge as those for whom the therapy has been
>effective.
>
>Our intention is to provide women and teens with the most current and
>accurate educational information, so that they may select the most
>appropriate treatment option for themselves. We do not provide medical
>advice, endorse or recommend any specific treatments, practitioners or
>resources, or otherwise attempt to influence a patient's decision in any
>way; but rather, provide all the materials necessary for a woman or teen
>to make an empowered choice about her own healthcare. This includes
>positive as well as negative information. We believe it is only through
>complete disclosure that patients can make educated choices, and we are
>under no obligation whatsoever to any source of funding to alter our
>educational program in any way to reflect otherwise. To be certain - we
>are under no obligation to any source of donations to alter any of our
>programs, in any way.
>
>I trust this will lay to rest any erroneous claims as to the ERC's
>acceptance of any alleged grants from TAP. As a registered 501(c)3
>charity, we are not only obligated, but happy to discuss our sources of
>support with all those who request it. It is appropriate (and
>encouraged) for any interested parties to contact our offices directly
>to discuss this matter further anytime.
>
>Sincerely,
>Heather C. Guidone
>Director of Operations
>
>--
>Endometriosis Research Center
>a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, tax-deductible organization
>Direct Email: EndoFL3@aol.com
>Internet: http://www.endocenter.org
>
>International Headquarters:
>630 Ibis Drive | Delray Beach, FL 33444 | USA
>Phone: (561) 274-7442 | Toll Free (800) 239-7280 | Fax: (561) 274-9117
>
![[ endo@obgyn.net ]](../../images/endo_at_obgyn.gif)